Improvement in type setters and distributers



J. B GILMERI TYPE SETTING AND DISTRIBUTING MACHINE.

No. 26.149. Patented Nov 15, 1859.

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//M%ZZMM UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN B. GILMER, OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA; THOMAS \V. GILMER ADMINISTRATOR OF SAID JOHN I). GILMER, DECEASED.

|.MPROVEMENT IN TYPE SETTERS AND DIS TRIBUTERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 26,149, dated November 15, 1.859.

stick. Fig. 4: represents a sectional elevation of the type-ease, the composing and distributing sticks, the composin -stick being in position to take the type from the case and the distributing-stickin position to replace the type in the case.-

cilitate the operation of setting and distributing type are complicated in their mechanism, expensive in their construction, liable to derangement, and a constant source of expense to keep in repair and working order. These disadvantages more than overbalance the increased rapidity with which they per form their work. On this account they are of little practical value as a labor-saving machine and have not within my knowledge been introduced into use to any extent.

The object of my improvements is tosimplify these machines, diminish their cost and liability to derangement, render them more certain and rapid in their operations, and thus make them an effective labor-saving machine. g

By reference to the accompanying drawings those skilled in the art will readily understand the const-ruction, arrangement, and operation of 'my improvements.

This machine consists of three distinct partsa case A for holding the type, a composing-stick 13 for withdrawing the type from the type-ease and setting them in line, and a distributing-stick O for transferring the type from the line to the type cases.

The type-case A consists of a rectangular box, standing in a vertical position, mounted on a foot 1), projecting both at the front and rear and sliding in guides on a bed-plate E, which forms its base The cavity (1 within the box is of proper length and width to receive the type edgewise in a single row one above the other, the bottom type resting on step b in the foot, whose distance above the lower step c is equal to the thickness of the bottom of the composingstick. The front plate (I of the case descends only as low as the top of the lower type, and this type is held in the-case by asliding spring-dog c with a rounded projecting nose in front. A stationary follower g, whose breadth and thickness correspond with the length and depth of the type, passes through an'opening in the rear of the case, directlyopposite the lower type, and in sliding'the case backward on its bed passes into the box and projects the lower type, the dog being raised beyond the inner face of the front plate. A spiral or I other spring a, bearing against the rear of The machines heretofore constructed to fathe foot, brings the case forward. Projecting flanges 2', on either side of the case in front, serve as guides to the composin -stick B when brought up to the mouth of the case to receive the type as they are projected forward by the follower.

from turning or falling out, and also to assist in withdrawing the type from the case. A slide m sustains the back of the type and is pushed back by each succeeding type as received in the mouth of the stick.

The type-distributing stick in breadth and 'depth is the same as the composing-stick.

The length maybe increased, if thought best, so as to receive two or more lines of type, and it is provided with a spring-follower h, which acts against the rear end of the line, moves the type forward as thefront ones are distributed, and holds the front type in contact .with a stationary stop. The bottom of the stick, directly beneath the front type, is made to open by pushing a slide 1) forward, and this slide is'operated by means of projecting points 7 on the top of the type-case, which, when the distributingstick .is placed over the mouth of the type-case, enters a bell-mouthed opening o, between the slide and bottom of the, stick, forcing the slide a sufficient dis- .tance forward to allow the type to pass lower above the type. This follower is also operated by one of the points a on the typecase, which, as it enters the stick, raises the outer vend of the lever, depresses the follower, which, coming in contact wit-h the type directly beneath it, separates it from the rear type and forces it through the opening in the bottom of the stick into the holder. In the application of this machine to practical use a type-case is. required for each letter of the alphabet and for different styles or descriptions of letters, as well as for the stops and blanks. 'lhese cases may be arranged in any position accessible by a short and easy movement .of the hand and arm.

In setting type the front end of the composing-stick is entered between the guides of. the type-case, and striking the spring-dog e raises it and frees the front type. The pressure of the stick against the foot of the holder causes it to recede and the follower to pass into the case, forcing the lower type forward into the mouth of the stick, raising the spring-plate and passing beyond the inner edge of the lip. The stick on being withdrawn carries with it the type, which are held by the pressure of the spring-plate and prevented from turning or falling out by the lip overlapping the outer edge. The case, when released from thepressore of the stick, returns to its first position, the type next above slides down and occupies the place of the one removed, and at the same time the dog springs back and prevents it from falling out. In this manner the stick is presented successively to each case containing the letters required to make up a line of words, and as each line is complete it is transferred from the stick to the column and again filled as before.

In distributing the type they are taken from the column, placed in the distributing-stick one or more lines at aftime, depending on the length of thestick, and then successively distributed direct to the proper cases in which they belong by the stick being placed successivel y over the top of each case, and as the prongs on the top enter the bollmouthed openings 0 in the bottom of the distributer the type are projected into the ease in the manner previonsl y described.

I do not confine myself to the form or forms, the arrangement or arrangements of the different parts of the machine as described, as these may be varied andlstill the type be withdrawn from the case and set, and also distributed, by the direct application of the sticks to the case without the aid of intermediate carrying mechanism, as has heretofore been used in these machines.

The type-case, instead of resting on bedpla'te's and sliding, may be suspended on trunnions and vibrate the distance required to deliver the type into the distributing- Ilaving thus described my improvements in type setters and distributers, what I claim therein as new, and desire to secure by Let ters Patent, is I r 1. \\"ithdrawing the type from the typecases and setting them in line in the composing-stick without the aid of intermediate carrying mechanism, but by the direct application of the composing-stick to the type-case, substantially as described.

2. Distributing the type to the i;,pecases by the direct application of the distributingstiek to said cases, substantially as described.

3. In combination with the type-case, the holding-dog or its equivalent arranged and operated substantially as described, so as to retain the type as they descend opposite the month of the ease, and release the type when the mouth of the composing-stick is in position to receive them.

4. Arranging the type-case, substantially as described, so that by a retrog ado movement of the case the typearo discharged into the composing-stick, as described.

5. In combination with the com p0SllP -Sl-1Ck,

the spring mouth-plate to hold the type as they enter the stick.

6. In combination with the spring mouthplate, the lip c or its equivalent, arranged sub 8. In combination with the distributingstick, a separating and discharging mechanism to the type arranged substantially as described, so as to separate the front type from the rear and force them into the'type-cases.

In testimony whereof I have subscribed my name.

JOHN B. GILMER.

Witnesses:

F. SOUTHGATE SMITH, Gus. P. WANNALL. 

